Which Parent Pays Child Support?
Although Texas considers child support to be the responsibility of both parents, the court typically only orders one parent to make financial payments to the other. Physical custody, or the amount of time a child spends with a parent, determines who pays child support to the other parent. For example, a court might order both parents to support a child, but in different ways. The custodial parent, or parent with the most physical custody time, typically supports the child through housing, utilities, food, and other basic needs. A non-custodial parent, who has the least amount of physical custody time, is typically ordered to pay child support.
It’s important that both custodial and non-custodial parents work with a child support attorney who can help them reach an outcome that benefits everyone involved. An attorney can evaluate your situation, work with court personnel, and investigate the situation to determine what level of child support arrangement is best for you and your children.
